Police sought additional potential victims Wednesday connected to a 24-year-old man suspected of sexually assaulting a victim in Culver City.
Giovanni Leon was arrested Tuesday, stemming from a report of battery at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the 13310 block of Washington Boulevard, according to the Culver City Police Department.
Officers responded to the location and were notified by the victim that a man had allegedly grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist and proceeded to lift her from the ground as she screamed and kicked until she broke free, police said.
The suspect allegedly kissed the victim before fleeing the scene, heading westbound through an alley. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries during the encounter, and a search was orchestrated to locate the man.
Police said detectives determined, after further investigation, that Leon, a registered sex offender, was the person of interest. He was located at approximately 5:45 p.m. Tuesday by a Culver City police sergeant patrolling the area of Washington Boulevard and Louise Avenue, after the sergeant observed that he matched the description and clothing worn at the time of the offense.
Leon was booked at the Culver City Jail on suspicion of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense.
Anyone with additional information about the case was urged to contact Culver City Police Department Detective Christopher Aguilar at 310-253-6318 or christopher.aguilar@culvercity.org.